HOUSTON – The search for the missing niece of Dallas Cowboys defensive back Aaron Glenn ended with the woman's ex-boyfriend telling authorities where he put her body.

A murder charge was filed against Timothy Wayne Shepherd, 27, on Wednesday in the death of Tynesha Stewart, said Lt. John Denholm of the Harris County Sheriff's Office homicide division.

Ms. Stewart, a 19-year-old college freshman from the Houston area, was last seen with Mr. Shepherd on March 15 while she was home for spring break visiting her mother.

Authorities said it will be difficult to find Ms. Stewart's body because the trash bin where it was allegedly dumped has been hauled off at least twice since last week and taken to different locations.

"We are exploring whether it's even possible to search for her remains at this point," Lt. Denholm said.

"It's the literal needle in the haystack."

Mr. Shepherd had allowed investigators to search his car and apartment and had been cooperative during interviews through early Wednesday, Lt. Denholm said.

Mr. Shepherd met with community activist Quanell X on Wednesday. Lt. Denholm said Quanell X then arranged a meeting with Mr. Shepherd and Harris County authorities in the activist's car.

"He told me, with the investigator in the car, where to go. He led us all the way, and when he stood before the Dumpster, he broke down, and he said, 'This is where I put her,' " Quanell X said.

Lt. Denholm said Mr. Shepherd had not made a formal confession.

The Cowboys organization said it had no comment on the tragedy affecting Mr. Glenn's family.